Six British Muslims Die in Saudi Minibus Crash

Six British Muslims have been reported as dead after their minibus crashed in Saudi Arabia. One of the diseased is a baby.

According to the local press, the people came from Glasgow and Manchester. Two of the group were in their 60s. Two children were injured.

The two victims from Glasgow have been named as Mohammad and Talat Aslam from the Newlands area of the city.

In a statement, Glasgow Central Mosque said, “Mr Mohammad Aslam and Mrs Talat Aslam, of Newlands, Glasgow, the parents of Shehla, Saba, Omar, Osman and Haroon, have returned to the mercy of Allah.”

The minibus was travelling between Mecca and Medina and was carrying twelve passengers. The driver survived the crash.

All the passengers were Muslim pilgrims visiting the holy city of Mecca. A seventh person also died in the crash.

Haj Tours Helping the Families

Haji Tours, who organised the trip, offered their condolences to the families. They are arranging visas and flights for the family’s relatives to travel to Saudi Arabia.

A spokesman for the Manchester-based tour operator said, “We are sharing our sorrow with the family affected. We hope God forgives them and gives them the best place possible in paradise. We share our grief with them and give them courage at this terrible time.”

The travellers were performing Umrah, a pilgrimage to Mecca which Muslims can make at any time of the year. The Haj pilgrimage can be made only at certain times of the year. This year’s times are August and early September.

The Koran states that the Prophet Muhammad was born in Mecca but left for Medina in 622. He had learned a plot to kill him and his followers the first Muslims. He died in Medina and this makes it the second holiest city in Islam.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office said, “We are supporting the families of six British people who have sadly died following a road accident in Saudi Arabia.

“We are also helping several more British nationals who were injured in the crash. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families at this very difficult time.”